Physicist

Responsible for the design optimization, technical evaluation, and precise and accurate delivery of radiation treatment plans. Responsible for the safety of patients and staff. May participate in clinical, research and educational duties. Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards.

-Determines the need for, specifies, and accesses dosimetric and treatment planning equipment including, but not limited to, measurement instruments to calibrate all treatment equipment and monitoring devices, computerized treatment planning systems, computerized water phantom systems with appropriate ionization chambers and diodes, film densitometry systems, etc.
-Participates in the specification, selection, and acceptance of radiation-producing machines, accessories, and computerized treatment-planning system. Supervises arrangements for proper maintenance of radiation treatment equipment.
-Periodically evaluates all equipment for continued utility, appropriateness, reliable performance, age and condition and makes recommendations on practical life span, obsolescence and replacement. Maintains responsibility for the design and implementation of the aspects of the quality management program that involve the use of the external beam radiotherapy equipment as well as the review and approval of the procedures followed by the radiation therapy staff.
-Advises and consults with physicians to provide advice or direction to technical staff when patients are being planned or treated.
-Develops protocols for performing and checking monitor units calculations to ensure all calculations agree with written prescription. Participates in chart rounds to ensure the fulfillment of the prescription and review any changes in dose and patient set-up.
-Oversees and is responsible for maintaining all required documentation relating to radiation treatment plans and equipment. Participates in the clinical instruction of newly hired radiation staff and radiation therapy students. Responsible for implementation and performance of all quality assurance and all physics related and patient treatment plans for site brachytherapy programs.
-Assumes leadership role in geographic areas of responsibility for new technology development at the site levels. Participates in peer leadership roles, including, but not limited to one or more of the following: Corporate sub-committees, Junior Physicist mentorship, publications or presentations, AAPM Chapter activates.
-Participates in management of Medical Physicist staff in geographic area of responsibility. May be expected to provide support at other US Oncology practices.
-Direct the radiation oncology physics program, including the technical direction of medical dosimetrists, therapy equipment service engineers and other physics support staff.

Post-doctoral degree in Physics from an accredited college or university. Minimum three to five years experience in radiation physics. Must maintain certification and continuing education requirements outlined by American College of Radiology. Current certification in field by American Board of Radiology or Board of Medical Physics. Must obtain and maintain certification and valid state license for medical physics as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have the ability to utilize components of the treatment-planning computer including but not limited to the use of keyboards, digitizers, trackball and mouse controls. Must be able to stand for 8 hours; lift 40 pound block to shoulder level; have sufficient visual acuity to distinguish structures and isodose displays on computer monitor. Additionally, must be able to align treatment field and monitor patient during radiation therapy treatment; have adequate hearing and speaking capabilities to effectively communicate with patients and staff; have adequate mobility to assist patients on and off treatment couch and document treatment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office environment. Involves frequent contact with staff. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to direct contact with patients with potential for exposure to blood, toxic substances, ionizing radiation and other conditions common to a clinic environment.